Method and system for real-time audio broadcast

ABSTRACT

The exemplary embodiments relate to methods and systems for a real-time localized audio broadcast to attendants at live entertainment events. One embodiment relates to a method comprising receiving location data indicating a location of a device, determining a frequency based on the location data, wherein the frequency is assigned based on a venue location and an audio channel is broadcast on the frequency at the venue location, displaying a software button on a user interface of the device, wherein the software button corresponds corresponding to the audio channel, receiving a user selection of the software button via the user interface, and tuning a RF tuner contained within the device to the frequency to receive the audio channel.

BACKGROUND

Attendants of some sporting events may want to enjoy audio commentaryand entertainment related to the events unfolding in front of them. Foran event that is being broadcast, fans have used simple radios toreceive over the air terrestrial broadcast from local stations whileattending the event at a venue. However, due to existing terrestrialtechnology, such as profanity delays, HD radio and other encodingsystems, the broadcast is delayed. Specifically, the broadcast delaycould be as long as ninety seconds. Therefore, this makes the idea oflistening to the radio at the venue for real time entertainment anobsolete solution.

Furthermore, the idea of listening to audio streaming or webcast via apersonal media device in a spectator's seat real time is also notpractical due to both provider and various technology, transmission,hardware, software and computation time latencies. Possible ideas tomitigate this digital latency may be to use a local venue media encoderconnected to Wireless Data Network at the venue. However, this solutionis cost prohibitive based on limited scalability factors. Listening toan announcer (e.g., play-by-play commentary) as much as two hundred andforty seconds after the play you saw live is not compelling. Morespecifically, any delay between watching a live event and listening toan audio broadcast of that event would eliminate any added benefit tothe overall fan experience at the venue.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary system utilizing a localized audiobroadcast service according to an exemplary embodiment described herein.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary radio frequency engine for implementinga localized audio broadcast service according to an exemplary embodimentdescribed herein.

FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary method for performing a localized audiobroadcast service from a radio frequency (“RF”) engine according to anexemplary embodiment described herein.

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary graphical user interface on a devicerunning the localized audio broadcast service according to an exemplaryembodiment described herein.

FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary method for performing the localizedaudio broadcast service from a user device according to an exemplaryembodiment described herein.

FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary RF engine implementing Bluetoothbroadcast for the broadcast service.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The exemplary embodiments relate to methods and systems for a real-timelocalized audio broadcast to attendants at live entertainment events.One embodiment relates to a method comprising receiving location dataindicating a location of a mobile media device, determining a frequencybased on the location data, wherein the frequency is assigned based on avenue location and an audio channel is broadcast on the frequency at thevenue location, displaying a software button on a user interface of themobile device, wherein the software button corresponds to the audiochannel, receiving a user selection of the software button via the userinterface, and tuning a tuner of the media device to the frequency toreceive the audio channel.

A further embodiment relates to a system comprising an audio interfaceto receive audio channel from a plurality of sources, a multiplexer toconvert the audio channels into a multiplex channel, an exciter togenerate a carrier signal for the multiplex channel within a radiofrequency band, wherein each audio channel is assigned a specificfrequency based on a venue location and an antenna to broadcast theaudio channels across the venue location.

A further embodiment relates to a method comprising receiving audiochannels from a plurality of sources, converting the audio channels intoa multiplex channel, generating a carrier signal for the multiplexchannel within a radio frequency band, wherein each audio channel isassigned a specific frequency based on a venue location, andbroadcasting the multiplex channel across the venue location.

The exemplary embodiments may be further understood with reference tothe following description of exemplary embodiments and the relatedappended drawings, wherein like elements are provided with the samereference numerals. Specifically, the exemplary embodiments relate tomethods and systems for a real-time localized audio broadcast toattendants at live entertainment events.

In the interest of expanding in-venue fan engagement, it has becomeclear that a new approach is needed. A new approach should be taken tosupport the current requests of team or event management, leagues,sponsors, and partners, as well as leveraging assets from contentproviders (e.g., ESPN Audio, ESPN.com, etc.). As noted above, thedigital streaming of a play-by-play audio broadcast is expensive andtypically includes complex restrictive terms and conditions based on thelistening location of the fan. However, terrestrial broadcast rights arenot as complicated and may simply be restricted to the local market,which would include the venue of the event.

According to the exemplary systems and methods described below, areal-time localized audio broadcast service (or “broadcast service”) maybe delivered to the attendants through one or more channels ofterrestrial signals. This real-time in seat/venue audio provided by thisbroadcast service would provide the attendants with the look, feel andappearance of a cutting edge streaming/media application. One skilled inthe art would understand that the systems and methods described hereinmay be applicable to domestic and international live events at any typeof venue (e.g., stadium and arena events, motorsports events, golf andother course events, ski resorts, museums, parks, education, healthcare,entertainment venues, theme parks, theme park events such as fireworksdisplays, parades, music shows, etc.).

The systems and methods of the broadcast service allows fans at anyvenue to enjoy the event play-by-play audio broadcasts and associatedlocation audio feeds (e.g., audio corresponding to in-venue large orsmall scale video displays, secondary audio, alternative language audio,etc.) with no delay on their equipped mobile or tablet device.Accordingly, there would be no need for the user to purchase, rent,carry or operate a special one-time use radio at the venue. Since thesystems and methods may utilize a software-based broadcast serviceapplication, there is no added manufacturing commitment to the contentprovider. Furthermore, unlike other digital streaming services, thenumber of connected clients is unlimited and the scalability beyond thefirst client unit has zero cost, as opposed to building an in-venuewireless data network or cellular data network that could support over50,000 fans.

A further added benefit would be that users of the broadcast service maylisten to various audio channel(s) in the background while performingother operations on their media device (e.g., texting, emailing, surfingthe internet). The exemplary systems and methods may also presentcontent-providers with additional monetization options, such as, but notlimited to, in-event advertising, branding, giveaways, interactive userbased social media campaigns etc. In addition, the broadcast service mayprovide the venue with an emergency interrupt feature thereby allowingfor immediate emergency announcements to listening fans across each ofthe audio channels or data messages and or instructions across thebroadcast service user interface. For instance, an audio feed providedfrom the venue may utilize the broadcast service to broadcast anemergency announcement (e.g., weather/safety announcements, evacuationinstructions, power outage information, lost child information, etc.).

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary system 100 utilizing the broadcastservice according to an exemplary embodiment described herein. Theexemplary system 100 may be implemented within a venue 110. As notedabove, the venue 110 may be any number of buildings or sites hosting alive event, such as, but not limited to, sports arena/stadiums, outdoorcourses, tracks, theme parks, etc.

The venue 110 may include a multitude of attendants or fans, such asusers 120. According to the exemplary system 100, any number of theseusers 120 may have a personal media device 125 (e.g., smartphone, tabletcomputer, etc.). The exemplary mobile devices 125 may be equipped with aprocessor 126, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium (e.g.,memory 127) and a multipurpose radio receiver module 128, such as alow-power 802.11n receiver with frequency modulation (“FM”) receivingcapabilities (e.g., the Broadcom BCM4329 receiver). Accordingly, each ofthe radio modules 128 of the mobile devices 125 may contain an FM radioreceiver. One skilled in the art would understand that while the FMradio section of the mobile devices 125 may be dormant, this feature maybe activated with specific programming. As will be described in greatdetail below, the mobile devices 125 may utilize a custom-builtbroadcast service software application designed to take full advantageof the multipurpose radio receiver module 128.

The exemplary venue 110 may include a number of audio feeds 130 relatedto the broadcast of the live event at the venue. As will be described ingreater detail below, these audio feeds 130 may feature, for instance,home team play-by-play audio for the event. Aside from home teamplay-by-play audio, there are also possibilities of other compellingcontent in-venue that include audio from in-stadium displays, away teamplay-by-play, TV broadcast audio, natural sound, team broadcast, venueinformation channel(s), direct feed of umpire, coach(s), player(s),entertainer(s), sideline reporter(s), event official(s), languageselections (e.g., Non English language versions of one or all of thechannel(s), synchronized music for theme park events (e.g., parades,fireworks displays, light shows, etc.), etc.

The exemplary venue 110 may be provided with a customized RF engine 140to transmit several terrestrial audio signals of the broadcast serviceto the users 120 in attendance at the venue 110. For instance, thecustomized RF engine 140 may include a customizable multiplex processthat defines multiple audio channels for broadcast. These audio channelsmay be micro-broadcasts within, above, or below the existing U.S. FMradio band, or, alternatively, may be broadcast within the U.S. spectrumdefined as whitespace. It should be noted that the FM band refers to theU.S. FM band, which is generally 87.5 MHz to 108.0 MHz. However, the RFreceiver of the media device 125 is capable of receiving anddemodulating a wider frequency band than just the U.S. FM band. Thus,the RF engine 140 may transmit in the U.S. FM band (typically in thehigher end of the band), below the U.S. FM band or above the U.S. FMband.

Furthermore, the RF engine(s) 140 may include a customized antenna 145(e.g., a VHF antenna) orientated in such a way to project signals to allusers 120 within the venue 110. Variations to the customized antenna 145may be based on the venue shape, size, type, layout, location, etc.Variations to the antenna 145 may further include the use of phase arrayantennas, circular antennas, horizontal and vertical antennas, polarizedantennas, distributed network antenna, etc. Regardless of the variationsof the antenna 145, the signals transmitted by the customized antenna145 may be received by the radio modules 128 and processed by the mobiledevices 125 of each of the users 120. The operation of the RF engine 140and its components will be described in great detail below.

FIG. 2 illustrates the exemplary RF engine 140 of FIG. 1 forimplementing the broadcast service according to an exemplary embodimentdescribed herein. The RF engine 140 may be a customizable module,designed and built based on a content provider. The RF engine 140 mayinclude an audio interface 205 to receive at least one audio channelfrom a plurality of sources 290. The RF engine may further include theantenna 145, a multiplexer 210 (“MUX”), an RF combiner 220, RF poweramplifier 230, filters 240, an exciter 250, micro controller 260, globalpositioning system (“GPS”) device 270 and service panel 280.Furthermore, the RF engine 140 may include a processor for executinginstructions and a memory for storing data, such as data within afrequency assignment database 285. It should be noted that while thefrequency assignment database 285 may be stored locally, it is alsopossible for the RF engine 140 to retrieve and update the frequencyassignment database 285 remotely over a network (e.g., the internet295).

The exemplary RF engine 140 may transmit several terrestrial radiosignals from a plurality of audio sources 290. For instance, the audiosources may include, but are not limited to: Channel 1—Home Play-by-Play291 (e.g., direct audio console out from home team broadcast booth);Channel 2—Away Play-by-Play 292 (e.g., direct audio console out fromaway team broadcast booth); Channel 3—Alternative Language Audio 293(e.g., direct audio console out from Non English broadcast booth);Channel 4—in-stadium video display 294 (e.g., direct audio out fromvenues small or large video display systems); etc. A further channel mayinclude the Audio Control from the venue for Emergency Broadcasts 295.Signals from sources may also contain advertising or signals thattrigger to insert advertising or promotional announcements.

Each of the audio sources 290 may be received at the RF engine 140 viathe MUX 210. The RF engine 140 may then convert these audio sources 290(e.g., five sub-carrier channel(s) 291-295) into a multiplex channel(s)within and or below the U.S. FM radio band. One skilled in the art wouldunderstand that the FM output is agile and may be set to any channel(s)within and or below the band. A stereo synthesizer may be utilized toproduce stereo sound on mono sub-carriers. Other command and datasignaling may be used to trigger specific action on users media device.

The exciter 250 of the RF engine 140 may include an electronicoscillator circuit to generate the radio frequency signal and amodulator circuit to add the information to be transmitted to thecarrier wave(s) produced by the oscillator. The RF power amplifier 230is used to increase the power of the signal, thereby increasing therange of the radio waves from the RF engine 140. Furthermore, theexciter 250 may serve as the injection point for ancillary dataservices, such as Radio Data System (“RDS”), a communications protocolstandard for embedding small amounts of digital information inconventional FM radio broadcasts. RDS standardizes several types ofinformation transmitted, including time, station identification, andprogram information.

As noted above, the RF engine(s) 140 may be connected to the custom VHFantenna(s) 145. Specifically, the antenna 145 may be connected to the RFengine 140 via the RF combiner 220, the filters 240, the power amplifier230, and the service panel 280. The exemplary antenna 145 may be asimple circular, horizontal or vertically polarized FM antenna. As notedabove, the antenna 145 may utilize phase array antennas or distributednetwork antenna technologies. For instance, the shape, size and type ofvenue (e.g., stadium, museum, theater, park, theme park, golf course,ski resort, etc.) may be a factor in determining the antenna type andantenna settings. In addition, the antenna 145 may be arranged in such away to sufficiently transmit across the venue in accordance with aconstruction permit, a permanent license, a special temporary authority(“STA”) from the Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) and or localspectrum regulator, etc. Part of the setup process for the RF engine 130in the venue 110 may be measuring the signal strength at variouslocations in the venue 110 using a field strength meter. The antenna 145and or the RF engine 140 may be adjusted in the venue 110 based on thein-venue measurements.

The filters 240 may include notch filter, high pass, low pass,band-pass, or other equivalent filters. For instance, a band-pass filtermay be used having a low-pass frequency of 60 mHz and a high-passfrequency of 108 mHz. The notch filter may pass most frequenciesunaltered, while attenuates those in a specific range to very lowlevels.

The RF engine 140 may be connected to the GPS device 270 via the microcontroller 260. The GPS device 270 may include a GPS antenna 275 forreceiving GPS signals to determine a current location (e.g., latitudeand longitude information) of the RF engine 140. The RF engine 140 mayuse the location data from the GPS device 270 when looking up frequencysettings within the frequency assignment database 285. Upon determiningthe location of the venue 110, the RF engine 140 may receive specificfrequency values for locally transmitting the multiplex channel(s)within the approved frequency assignments.

The exemplary service panel 280 may serve as the connection point foraudio, power, data, GPS communication, and RF out. Furthermore, the RFengine 140 may include additional components such as an audio interface,main power supplies, an uninterruptible power supply (“UPS”), radio datasystem (“RDS”) generator, and an RF exciter.

FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary method 300 for performing the broadcastservice from a radio frequency (“RF”) engine according to an exemplaryembodiment described herein. The exemplary method 300 will be describedwith reference to the RF engine 140 and the various components of FIGS.1 and 2.

In step 310, the RF engine 140 may receive audio signals from themultiple sources 290. As noted above, the multiple sources may includeaudio from in-stadium/venue displays, away or home team play-by-play, TVbroadcast audio, natural sound, team broadcast, venue informationchannel(s), direct feed of umpire, coach(s), player(s), entertainer(s),sideline reporter(s), event official(s), language selections (e.g.,Non-English language versions of one or all of the channel(s),synchronized music for theme park events (e.g., parades, fireworksdisplays, light shows, etc.), etc. Each of these audio signals may bereceived at the RF engine 140 from the direct audio console out from thevarious sources 290.

In step 320, the RF engine 140 may convert the audio signals into an RFor equivalent output. As noted above, the MUX 210 may convert each ofthe sub-carrier or audio signals into a multiplex channel(s) in the FMband or within the approved frequency assignments.

In step 330, the RF engine 140 determines a location of the venue 110using the GPS device 270 and GPS antenna 275. As noted above, the RFengine 140 may use the location data from the GPS device 270 whendetermining the local frequency settings for transmitting the multiplexchannel(s) within the FM radio band. In step 340, the location data maybe used to obtain a set of allowable frequency settings that can be usedlocally at the venue 110. These frequency settings, along with the GPSdata of various locations, may be stored or recalled within thefrequency assignment database 285.

Accordingly, a user of the RF engine 140 (e.g., a content provider) hasthe ability to file for a sub-FM band license in accordance with an STAfrom the FCC, or other governmental license from a regulatory body. Bysecuring the permit to broadcast on these frequencies locally within thevenue 110, the RF engine 140 serves as a small, low cost transmissionpackage.

In step 350, the RF engine 140 broadcasts the multiplex channel(s)across the venue 110 via the antenna 145. Specifically, the multiplexchannel(s) may be fed to the RF power amplifier 230 (e.g., a linear RFamplifier having a frequency range of 70-108 mHz, but not limited to),through the filters 240 (e.g., band-pass filters, notch filters, etc.)to the RF combiner 220. The antenna 145 may be attached to the RFcombiner 220 and transmit the multiplex channel(s) to venue 110. Thebroadcast of the multiplex channel(s) may be performed in accordancewith the frequency settings specific to the location of the venue 110.For instance, the audio channel(s) may be micro-broadcasts within,above, or below the existing U.S. FM radio band, or alternatively, maybe broadcast within the U.S. spectrum defined as whitespace. Inaddition, the audio channel(s) may be broadcast at a power level that isbelow a predetermined threshold, wherein the predetermined threshold isset by a regulatory body, such as the FCC or other equivalent regulatoryagency. Accordingly, the threshold(s) frequency may vary from region toregion and from country to country.

In step 360, the RF engine 130 may interrupt any or all of the audiochannel(s) 290 and replace the content from the interrupted audiochannel(s) with alternate content. The alternative content may includean emergency broadcast or notification, a station identificationmessage, a content-provider announcement (e.g., “You're listening toESPN.”). Accordingly, upon interrupting one or more audio channel(s)2920, the RF engine 130 may then broadcast this alternate content on thefrequency corresponding to the interrupted audio channel(s) across thevenue 110. Or redirect media device to an existing broadcast mediastream on the internet.

In an optional step, the RF engine 130 may encrypt the broadcast of themultiplex channel(s). For instances, the RF engine 130 may utilizeencryption technologies through encoders and decoders, such as encoder215 of the RF engine 130. Furthermore, a decoder may be included withinthe broadcast service software operating a user's media device 125.Accordingly, the encoder 215 may scramble the broadcast signal and thedecoder on the media device 125 may decrypt the scrambled broadcast. Theencryption process may also include a restricted broadcast that wouldrequire media device 125 to retrieve a key via the internet from alocation outside the venue/location to enable unrestricted reception ofbroadcasts from RF engine 125.

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary graphical user interface (“GUI”) 400 ona media device 125 running the broadcast service according to anexemplary embodiment described herein. As noted above, an application onthe media device 125 may control the FM radio in the device 125 and workin tandem with the in-venue RF engine 140. The broadcast service maycreate a new listening experience for fans, spectators and partnersduring a live event. Furthermore, the operation of the GUI 400 on themedia device 125 allows the user 120 to interact with the device's FMtuner. Accordingly, the user 120 may be unaware that the media device125 is actually tuning a receiver, as the presentation would have thelook and feel of accessing a digital/media streaming product/mediadevice. Thus, while the GUI 400 may appear to the user 120 as providingstreaming digital audio, the user will, in fact, receive an over-the-airbroadcast. Due to the appearance of streaming digital audio to the user120, the GUI 400 may optionally display a message(s) to the user thatthe audio provided by the broadcast service will not impact the datausage for the user's media device 125. While certain softwarefunctionalities provided by the service may demand minimal data usage,the GUI 400 may notify the user 120 that the received audio signal is abroadcast transmission separate from any wi-fi, wireless data orcellular network.

The exemplary GUI 400 may include a plurality of soft buttons 411-414designated to specific channel(s) broadcast by the RF engine 140. Forinstance, the soft buttons may include a Home Radio Play-by-Play button411, an Away Radio Play-by-Play button 412, a Non English RadioPlay-by-Play button 413, an In-Stadium large or small video displayaudio button 414, etc.

In addition, the GUI 400 may include buttons to other services offeredby a content provider. The other services may include a link 420 todigital streaming audio and/or video (e.g., ESPN Radio Network,WatchESPN), a hyperlink 430 to an internet address (ESPN.com), ahyperlink 440 to an integrated application (ESPN Score Centerapplication), etc. Accordingly, aside from the broadcast servicecontrolling the RF receiver of the device 125, the broadcast service mayalso access, display, and interact with other content offered by abroadcaster, the venue, advertisers, sports teams, etc. Additionalbutton activated services will allow user to opt in or out of featuresspecific to the event they are attending (e.g., flag events based ontime of game/event to allow highlight clips to delivered to user orusers social media network) Furthermore, the broadcast service may alsoallow the device 125 to continue to receive email, texts, and callswhile in a “broadcast service mode.”

FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary method 500 for performing the broadcastservice from the user media device 125 according to an exemplaryembodiment described herein. The exemplary method 500 will be describedwith reference to the media device 125 and the various components ofFIGS. 1 and 2. As noted above, the broadcast service allows the mediadevice 125 to operate a custom software-based RF control application viathe exemplary GUI 400 illustrated in FIG. 4.

In step 510, the application may receive location data of a media device125. Specifically, the media device 125 may obtain location data from aGPS receiver within the device 125. The location data may include thelatitude and longitude information related to the location of the device125.

While the exemplary method 500 may allow for the application to obtainlocation data via a GPS system, alternative embodiments of the methodsdescribed herein allow for the location data of the media device 125and/or venue 110 to be obtained through a variety of techniques. Forinstance, the location data may be obtained using automaticidentification and data capturing (“AIDC”) techniques, such as anoptical machine-readable representation of data (e.g., barcodes, datamatrix codes, quick response codes, stacked barcodes, etc.). Accordingto one example, a data matrix code may be printed onto a venue ticket orsurface for a specific event. This data matrix code may provide theapplication with data pertaining to the time, data and location of theevent and venue 110. Furthermore, the data matrix code may providefurther detailed data, such as the seating location (e.g., section, row,seat number, etc.) within the venue 110 for the specific ticket. The useof AIDC techniques will be described in greater detail below.

In step 520, the application may determine a proximity to a venue basedon the location data of the media device 125. Specifically, theapplication may determine whether the broadcast service is availablewithin a predetermined range (e.g., 1 mile) from the location of themedia device 125. The application may provide the user with anindication of the availability of the broadcast service to the mediadevice 125 based on the proximity to the venue. If it is determined thatthe device 125 is within the predetermined range, the application mayadvance to step 530. However, if it is determined that the device 125 isoutside of the range, the application may advance to step 540.

In step 530, the application may determine if the current time of theuser request is within a time frame for an event. Specifically, theapplication may determine whether the broadcast service is available foran event within a predetermined time frame (e.g., 4 hours) from the timeof the user request. The application may provide the user with anindication of the availability of service to the media device 125 basedon the time frame of the event. If it is determined that the userrequest is within the predetermined time frame for a local event, theapplication may advance to step 550. However, if it is determined thatthere is no event scheduled within the time frame of the user request,the application may advance to step 540.

In step 540, the application may indicate that a service is unavailableupon determining that either the proximity to the venue 110 is outsideof a designated range of the broadcast service or the current time ofthe user request is outside of a designated time frame of an event. Instep 541, the broadcast service may automatically provide the user withalternative content, such as a streaming digital audio signal (e.g.,National ESPN Radio feed). In addition, the application may simplydisplay soft button links to further content (e.g., web-based content,other applications, etc.) via the GUI 400 of the device and await afurther user request for the broadcast service. In addition, the GUI mayprovide the media device 125 tuner instructions and user buttons whichallow user choices to listen to the local FM broadcast of the nearestESPN Station or other FM station(s) signal(s) over the air signalparticipating with the broadcast service.

In step 550, the application may look up location data on a frequencyassignment database of venues. The frequency assignment database mayinclude a listing of various venues and their related frequencysettings. Similar to the RF engine 140, the application may store thefrequency assignment database within a memory of the media device 125.While the frequency assignment database may be stored locally, it isalso possible for the application to retrieve and update the frequencyassignment database remote over a network (e.g., the internet).

In step 560, the application may assign frequencies to multiplechannel(s) from the frequency assignment database and assign each of thechannel(s) to a corresponding software button on the mobile device.

As noted above, a content provider may secure licenses from the FCC, orother equivalent regulatory agency under the common accepted practice ofthe STA process or other equivalent use approval process. These licenseswould cover the venue of interest (e.g., venue 110) and specifyeffective radiated power, modulation scheme and operating frequency(s)that would be compatible with the RF receiver and demodulator hardwareand or software contained in the media device 125.

In step 570, the application may display each of the software buttonsover a user interface 400 on the mobile device. Specifically, the customsoftware based RF control application may utilize the current GPSposition of the media device 125 and or user provided location based onselections, frequency settings information from the database, and presetchannel(s) soft buttons on the GUI 400 with the correct frequencyassignment.

In step 580, the application may receive a user selection of a softwarebutton via the GUI 400. As noted above, the exemplary soft button mayprovide the user 120 with audio content from home radio play-by-play,away radio play-by-play, an alternative language option, in-stadiumaudio, etc.

In step 581, the application may tune a tuner to an assigned frequencyof the selected software button and receive radio signals associatedwith the assigned frequency from the RF engine 140.

In step 582, the application may receive a user request for additionalcontent. For instance the GUI 400 may display additional soft button toprovide the user 120 with links to web-content, digital streaming audioor video, interaction with other applications on the media device 125,etc. Accordingly, upon receiving a user request for such additionalcontent, the application may receive and display the web-based content,the digital audio/video, the application, etc.

According to the exemplary embodiments described herein, the user 120may install the broadcast service application on the media device 125through any number of techniques. For instance, the user 120 maydownload the application from an app store of a service provider,download and transfer the application from a personal computer, downloadthe application from a small plug-in device (e.g., “dongle”) attached tothe media device 125, etc. Furthermore, the broadcast serviceapplication may be preinstalled onto the media device 125.

Therefore, the exemplary embodiments described above may enable viewersor spectators of sporting events to better understand and visualize theprogress of rapidly moving athletes. The exemplary embodiments create acustom software based RF control application designed to take advantageof mobile devices and tablets that contain an RF receiver/demodulatorcapable of receiving signals from the exemplary RF engine 140. Theapplication will provide the fan real-time audio broadcast from multiplesources of content aligned with an event at the venue 110. By using acombination of custom mirco-broadcasting techniques paired with customsoftware-based application, the broadcast service may automatically tunethe tuner of the user's media device to the selected frequency of theon-site RF engine 140.

In addition to the embodiments described above, the broadcast servicemay include linkage to other technology beyond the FM band. Forinstance, proximity radio transmission, such as Bluetooth basedbroadcasting, may be utilized to transmit the signal to the media device125. While the same concept may apply, the media device 125 may includea Bluetooth decoder and the Bluetooth standards may offer alternativesto user discovery.

FIG. 6 illustrates the exemplary RF engine 140 implementing Bluetoothbroadcast for the broadcast service. For instance, the RF engine 140 mayfurther include a Bluetooth encoder 610 in communication with one ormore Bluetooth emitters 620 over a Bluetooth network. The Bluetoothemitters may decode and relay the broadcast from the Bluetooth encoder610 to any number of Bluetooth-enabled devices, such as media device125.

According to this embodiment, an exemplary method may include a beaconmode, a handshake request, and content transmission. In beacon mode, thebroadcast service may scan for Bluetooth-enabled device (e.g., mediadevice 125) located in a specified range (e.g., venue 110). During thehandshake request step, the broadcast service may send a request forpermission of sending files to the user 120 of the media device 125.Once the user 120 grants handshake permission, the broadcast service maystream/broadcast real-time audio and associated data at same time whileallowing the user 120 to send data back to the broadcast service.

As noted above, the exemplary systems and methods described herein mayutilize automatic identification and data capturing (“AIDC”) techniques,such as data matrix codes (e.g., QR codes), to obtain location data ofthe venue 110, the media device 125 and the user 120. For instance, byusing a camera (or other data capture arrangement) on the user's mediadevice 125, the user 120 may take a picture of a data matrix code thatis printed on the ticket or a program provided to attendees or part of aseat or sign/display of the venue 110. Using the data provided by thecode, the broadcast service application may allow the user to downloadrelevant venue information (e.g., broadcast frequencies, data rate,sub-carrier data, geo-location data, class of user, specific demographicinformation for commercial delivery, link to application store, etc.).This data may then be used to configure the broadcast serviceapplication for a specific location, such as the venue 110, a specificsection of the venue 110 (e.g., a home or away side, a section, a row, aseat, etc).

According to this exemplary method, the broadcast service applicationmay be activated from the media device 125 through any number oftechniques. For instance, in one scenario, the user 120 may already havea pre-installed program including a broadcast service configuredapplication programming interface (“API”) on the media device 125. Theuser 120 may select the broadcast service application from a menu of theprogram and then be prompted to either capture a corresponding data codeor, alternatively, download the broadcast service application fromapplication store. By selecting the data code option, the applicationmay activate the camera function of the media device 125, displaying atargeting box for the data code. The user 120 may then point camera atthe data code and align the code with the targeting box. By pressing anaction button on the device 125, the data matrix may be captured anddecoded. The data obtained from the data matrix code may allow for thebroadcast service application to be automatically downloaded onto themedia device 125. In addition, the data matrix may preload theapplication with venue configuration data (e.g., location data,frequency data, etc.) for the embedded tuner of the media device 125.

In a second scenario, the user 120 may already have the broadcastservice application installed on media device 125. Upon starting thebroadcast service application or module, the user 120 may be promptedwith a question asking whether a data matrix code is present (on theticket, at the venue 110, on the seat, etc.) By selecting “yes” thecamera function of the media device 125 may be activated. As describedabove, the user may then point the camera at the data matrix code toallow for the broadcast service application to automatically downloadvenue configuration data (e.g., location data, frequency data, etc.) forthe embedded tuner of the media device 125.

In a further scenario, the user may not have either the broadcastservice application or a preinstalled program having the broadcastservice API. However, the media device 125 may have the ability to readand process data matrix codes, or the like. Under this scenario, theuser may capture and process the data matrix code that is present. Themedia device 125 may then be directed to specific location (e.g., withinan application store or via the internet) to download the broadcastservice application. Furthermore, the data from the data matrix mayallow for the broadcast service application to automatically downloadvenue configuration data (e.g., location data, frequency data, etc.) forthe embedded tuner of the media device 125.

Those of skill in the art will understand that the above-describedexemplary embodiments may be implemented in any number of matters,including as a software module, as a combination of hardware andsoftware, etc. For example, the exemplary method 100 may be embodied ina program stored in a non-transitory storage medium and containing linesof code that, when compiled, may be executed by a processor.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variousmodifications may be made to the exemplary embodiments, withoutdeparting from the spirit or the scope of the invention. Thus, it isintended that the present invention cover modifications and variationsof this invention provided they come within the scope of the appendedclaims and their equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system, comprising: an audio interface toreceive audio channels from a plurality of sources; a multiplexer toconvert the audio channels into a multiplex channel; an exciter togenerate a carrier signal for the multiplex channel within a radiofrequency band; a positioning device to determine a venue location inwhich the system is located; a frequency assignment database to receiveand store frequency assignment data, wherein a look up is performed onthe frequency assignment database based on the venue location and eachaudio channel is dynamically assigned a specific frequency based on thefrequency assignment database; and an antenna to broadcast the multiplexchannel across the venue location, wherein the antenna is a customizedantenna oriented to project signals to all users within the venuelocation, wherein variations to the customized antenna are based on thesize, shape and type of venue location, wherein variations to thecustomized antenna further include the use of at least one of a phasearray antenna, a polarized antenna, and a distributed network antenna,and wherein broadcasting the multiplex channel includes interrupting atleast one of the audio channels, replacing content from the at least oneinterrupted audio channel with alternate content and broadcasting thealternate content on the frequency corresponding to the at least oneinterrupted audio channel across the venue location.
 2. The system ofclaim 1, further comprising: an amplifier to receive the multiplexchannel from the exciter and amplify the multiplex channel prior tobroadcast by the antenna.
 3. The system of claim 2, further comprising:a filter to receive the amplified multiplex channel and filter theamplified multiplex channel for selected frequencies.
 4. The system ofclaim 1, further comprising: a GPS component to receive location datafor the system; and a service panel to receive the location data anddetermine the venue location based on the location data, the servicepanel further performing the look up on the frequency assignmentdatabase.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the audio channels includeat least one of a radio broadcast, a television broadcast, audio from anin-venue display, an alternate language broadcast and an emergencybroadcast.
 6. The system of claim 1, further comprising: a memory tostore the frequency assignment database including a set of frequenciesassigned to each of a plurality of venues and to update the frequencyassignment database based on information received over a network.
 7. Thesystem of claim 1, further comprising: a short-wavelength radiotransmission encoder in communication with at least one short-wavelengthradio transmission emitter over a short-wavelength radio transmissionnetwork.
 8. The system of claim 1, wherein the frequency assignmentdatabase includes frequencies that have been granted a governmentallicense from a regulatory body.
 9. The system of claim 1, wherein thebroadcast of the multiplex channel is encrypted, wherein enablingunrestricted reception of the broadcast of the multiplex channelrequires a receiving device to retrieve a key via the internet from alocation outside the venue location.
 10. The system of claim 1, whereinthe system includes an emergency interrupt feature to allow forimmediate emergency announcements to broadcast across each of the audiochannels.
 11. A method, comprising: receiving audio channels from aplurality of sources at a radio frequency engine; converting the audiochannels into a multiplex channel; generating a carrier signal for themultiplex channel within a radio frequency band; determining a venuelocation in which the radio frequency engine is located; storingfrequency assignment data in a frequency assignment database; performinga look up on the frequency assignment database based on the venuelocation; dynamically assigning each audio channel a specific frequencybased on the frequency assignment database; broadcasting the multiplexchannel across the venue location, and wherein the multiplex channel isbroadcast with an antenna, wherein the antenna is a customized antennaoriented to project signals to all users within the venue location,wherein variations to the customized antenna are based on the size,shape and type of venue location, wherein variations to the customizedantenna further include the use of at least one of a phase arrayantenna, a polarized antenna, and a distributed network antenna;interrupting at least one of the audio channels; replacing content fromthe at least one interrupted audio channel with alternate content; andbroadcasting the alternate content on the frequency corresponding to theat least one interrupted audio channel across the venue location. 12.The method of claim 11, further comprising: receiving location data; anddetermining the venue location based on the location data.
 13. Themethod of claim 11, wherein the location data is received from one of anoptical machine-readable representation of data and a GPS component. 14.The method of claim 11, wherein the audio channels include at least oneof a radio broadcast, a television broadcast, audio from an in-venuedisplay, an alternate language broadcast and an emergency broadcast. 15.The method of claim 11, wherein the frequency assignment databaseincludes frequencies that have been granted a governmental license froma regulatory body.
 16. The method of claim 11, wherein the broadcast ofthe multiplex channel is encrypted, wherein enabling unrestrictedreception of the broadcast of the multiplex channel requires a receivingdevice to retrieve a key via the internet from a location outside thevenue location.
 17. The method of claim 11, wherein the method includesan emergency interrupt feature to allow for immediate emergencyannouncements to broadcast across each of the audio channels.